For some cancer patients too many questions are a burden. They serve as a constant reminder that they have cancer. So be careful not to take the call to action too far! Talk with your friend about the things you talked about before he was diagnosed.

Feel you need to do more? Be a learner. Try to find out what your friend wants in terms of tangible help. Here are some suggestions:

You know your friend and what his needs are. Having you there listening and sharing is probably doing more for him than you realize. One of the most important points to remember is that there is no timeline when it comes to emotional recovery. Long after people think a cancer patient's fears and concerns about his cancer should be over, they are not. He will need your support on an ongoing basis -- from this day forward.

There are many books that can help you learn about cancer, how it may be affecting your friend and other information that may be valuable to both of you. If you are feeling alone and want to talk, you may want to consider message boards. Online message boards allow you to post a question and receive responses from people who are going through a similar experience. Participants of an online message group can provide you with support, friendship and practical solutions -- all in an anonymous environment. Remember, you are very busy keeping up a strong front for your friend, but you also need support.